And so we call upon you to help every family member and close friend of our dearly departed one. Seek to make your life long. Closing words - We have been remembering with love and gratitude of a life that has ended. Example # 3. On behalf of the family of Grace Davies I thank everyone for coming to this ceremony today. Prayer for Adjustment Creator of all, I commit every person who has come here today. From the wake or viewing to the time before and after the funeral service, these standard sayings work for most funeral events. This larger candle can be used by the guests to light the other candles.). And that is why we have celebrated, not mourned, the life of this dear saint today because we know this is not the end, but the beginning. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Proverbs 10:12 Meaning of Hatred Stirs up Conflict, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Thanksgiving for Life Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this earthly life. Others are in a suspended belief that their dearly beloved has passed on. The venue for a non-religious funeral service could be anywhere the family designates, even the chapel of a religious community. Catholic funeral prayer. Thank you [name] for being my best friend. It was wonderful having you in my life. can never enter your heart. May their memory live on in our hearts and minds.". Ending a eulogy with the words of your loved one can be quite meaningful. True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable. David Tyson. I know that he/she is at peace now. We await that great day when you raise us with him/her to life in triumph and we shall stand before you in the glory of your heavenly kingdom. Shes an advocate for marriage equality and individuality. During the writing process, you may find yourself reminiscing over special memories. Most follow a similar outline: A welcome, opening remarks, stories and memories about the deceased (or a eulogy speech), and a ritual of remembrance for friends and family members to participate in, such as a candle lighting ceremony. May we go forth now, carrying this truth to others. When they die, that's when they become that wise mentor guiding your life. So, I ask all of you to throw out the rules today and do what Grandma would do. Here are some suggestions on how you can end a eulogy. The officiant (celebrant) cantake a few moments after the service to offer additional comfort and kindess to thedeceased's close family. Attitude toward Death. Is Augmented Reality the Next Stop for Destination Weddings? Peace in Grief Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you are the firstborn from the dead. "Brothers & sisters are as close as hands and feet." He thrived on connecting with others and building up his community in any way he could. What to Say if Invited to Speak at a Funeral. #3: Make everyone feel welcome Funeral opening remarks are almost akin to a funeral thank you speech. Be with them each and every day. What to Say in a Memorial Speech Closings and Benedictions for Worship. We used to sing it together as kids. If the person was your close relative: "I still can't believe they're gone. I am the gentle autumns rain. I love you sweet angel, and we'll always be whole together. CopingWith the First Thanksgiving Without Your Loved One, It can be difficult to adapt to life after the loss of a loved one, and it might seem like things will never go back to being the same. Oh Lord, we go forth from this service clinging to your irrevocable promise. Sometimes it's not all about what you say at a funeral. We commend him/her to your mercy and pray that you will show us the path of life, and the fullness of joy in your presence through all eternity. Fr. Acknowledge their pain by saying something like "This must be so hard for you," to show that you care for them which will help them feel less isolated. Empower them. Have compassion on our grief, Lord, and fill our hearts with thanksgiving to you. Lord, we leave here grieving the passing of our loved one yet remembering your great gift for us. Have mercy on us today, and mercy on our loved one who has passed from this life into the next. If you're unsure how to end your eulogy, finish with a simple goodbye, or a thank you for the memories you shared. You are eternally gracious, merciful, and caring. I know [name] is with us today and smiling at the beautiful memories weve shared. 0000002254 00000 n We thank you for the unique gifts of [name]. Lets stop for a minute and remember. As many of you know, my mom/dad had very strong faith. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Others are waiting their turn, so don't monopolize the conversation. This simple script includes a candle lighting ceremony for family and friends, and a reading from Mary Elizabeth Frye. hb```,- A[eV],000[t00ete 30h29p@Z)G +ae`\ v 330N@&^ 9|n}`q[ \M* Facebook. Memorial services are also known as celebration of life services, or just celebration services. We thank you for redeeming us from death. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. What was your happiest memory with ___________? Lord of life, as we draw this memorial service to a close, we rejoice in our wonderful expectation. Keep us steadfast until then. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service May his/her memory live long among us and be a source of strength for us. It's a good idea to keep your words brief. As they adjust to the loss of physical contact and direct communication with this loved one, we pray that your grace will help them make the transition with peace and acceptance. It might be a family member or a respected member of the community. 8 Short Funeral Prayers. Jot down some notes about the story you want to share, but tell it from memory rather than reading it. Involve the entire crowd in sharing the eulogy with you by inviting them to share fond memories at the end of your speech. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Death Conquered Prayer Heavenly Father, by your power Christ conquered death and ascended in glory. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Funerals and memorials are often somber and laughter isn't always welcomed. We thank you for your love, and thank you that this death of our loved one is only a freedom from a mortal body of pain, sickness, and tears. Find something that makes you think of your loved one. My name is Mary Citizen and I am a civil celebrant. We thank you for making each one of us in your own image. We believe in you, and we believe in your holy Son, Jesus. In our grief and shock, may we be comforted and embraced by your loving arms. This poem reflects ___________s sentiment towards life, and attitude towards death. A combination of two or more of the above tips can be used to end a eulogy that you feel may not be long enough. Feel free to get inspiration from, modify, or steal the closing lines below. Or what they stood for in this world. [Name] was a rare individual -- someone that, in today's day and age, is becoming increasingly more rare. How to Officiate a Funeral or Memorial Service, Ordination through American Marriage Ministries, your right to conduct religious ceremonies of all forms, Celebrations of Life: Wild Child Reverend Scarletts memorial services honor people in the same ways they lived, How to Baptize Someone (and Why They Might Ask You To). For information about opting out, click here. We rejoice because we know that our loved one is safe and at peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Introduce the video clip or slideshow by saying something like "Words can't express how Jen's death has affected me, so I thought it would be fitting if we all take a moment of silent together to see my sister in life.". If this is your first time serving as a celebrant, minister, or master of ceremony for a funeral service, read How to Officiate a Funeral or Memorial Service to learn the basics: Memorial services and funerals honor the memory of a deceased loved one. Whether you want something that captures the experience of loss, or reflects on the meaning of life, these funeral quotes could be the right way to say goodbye. By Br. Closing words bring the service to an end and prepare people to return home. Your worldly accomplishments are many: Your books are known and loved from coast to coast, your work is reviewed in the prominent journals of the nation, and literary awards and honorary degrees crowd your biography. Help us not be so distracted with everything in this present life that we forget our ultimate destiny. They are also referred to as 'concluding remarks'. Give rest to our troubled hearts and replace our fear with faith. Maybe focus on how your loved one lived their life. And we know that Jesus has welcomed our departed one into His presence. May we go forth now, carrying this truth to others. In life and in death our hope is in God and in the saving work of Jesus his Son. 20 Phrases to Use in a Loved One's (or Your Own) Funeral Service or Obituary Barbara Hope Sep 14, 2022 3:35 PM EDT Closing the Book of Life, Correctly When my mother died, the minister said everything correctly, save for one critical sentence. When asked to speak at one of these ceremonies, you are given a unique opportunity to publicly express your thoughts and feelings about the deceased. Prayer to the Lamb. We look forward to that day when we are all together again. Introduction and Welcome. I ask that as each one goes back to their homes and daily schedules, please bring refreshment to the hearts and minds of those affected by this loss. endstream endobj 13 0 obj <> endobj 14 0 obj <> endobj 15 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 90/Type/Page>> endobj 16 0 obj <> endobj 17 0 obj <> endobj 18 0 obj <> endobj 19 0 obj <> endobj 20 0 obj <> endobj 21 0 obj <>stream "Grief is the price we pay for love." - Anonymous 4. Keep your words brief, clear, and specific. 0000026202 00000 n Almighty ever-living God, you rule both the living and the dead and are merciful to all. "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. As we commit the body of this dear soul to the ground, we thank you that their spirit has already ascended to you. Comfort us with this truth. When grandparents are alive, you take their wisdom for granted. (He/ she/ they) had that warm, welcoming smile that radiated peace and comfort and said I accept and love you for who you are.. God Will Help Us. Or you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share with the person who has died. D{s:dO'$=rvJJDd=S5@j*9TsF*%Q{Gb"O*?D$0cP ;d Tr :$h&CE;_'Iq""c!I8c_xVZMrdr7HQ.R%_^Sr8:1. We praise you that we are made in your image, reflecting your truth and light. 1:46 P.M. CDT. Amen. Tip 2: Use Humor Thoughtfully. I am so grateful to have had you as a parent. Meet their needs for comfort, grace, peace, and even financial provision. %%EOF Even when death has laid its cold hand upon us, you destroy its power. When people think of a eulogy, they imagine it to be the final words spoken about their loved one. Choose one or more of these ways to end a eulogy to share your final thoughts about the loss of the deceased that will be remembered long after the funeral. 100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye, Meaningful funeral quotes can have powerful, comforting, and even positive messages for those who have lost a loved one. Post-Ceremony. Gratefulness for Love God, we leave now in awe of your incomprehensible love. It's a reminder of the impact a person had on your life. This is the end of the service, and friends and family are encouraged to talk with each other, hug, and exchange more memories of the deceased before moving to the next planned activity. If the funeral is religious in nature or your loved one was deeply religious, you could end the speech with a favorite prayer or Bible verse. It's not an easy task to end something that celebrates the life of someone you love. Prayer for Celebration Good and wonderful God, we say goodbye to our departed loved one for one last time. Our loved one who has gone on before us is rescued from the tyranny of death. 14 Prayer for the Deceased. Sometimes you dont have the words to end a eulogy. <<0C4BFFFBBF7BA84AB4C703C2D9F39E01>]/Prev 114664>> "Sometimes family members tell things that would be appropriate at a family reunion or at some other family gathering but not on an occasion that should be sacred and solemn. Be their guide through uncertainties and their faithful friend in loneliness. Though this is not the way any would choose, my baby will be a baby forever to me. You may, however, find a reading that combines two or all of these common themes. Pro tip: You could consider sharing a video or recording of them talking. But if it's much longer than 10 minutes, you might risk losing people's attention, so somewhere in between is a good guide. I am not there. Loving God, we have honored the memory of our loved one today, but we know this parting is only temporary. I did not die. This parody of the Lord's Prayer is one of the more original non-religious funny funeral poems. Reading their words and saying them out loud, can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life. The closing lines should also match the tone of the rest of your eulogy. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you.". I will miss the silly times we shared. Amen. We should speak at the funeral to try to meet a myriad of needs: to name and demystify the cause of death out loud and clearly, to acknowledge that all such deaths are by a kind of coercion (whether through addiction or depression), to state the truth that pain may feel like it is forever but it is transient, to validate a spectrum of difficult Written by on February 27, 2023. 0000004887 00000 n 0000001686 00000 n It might seem rather simple, but it's a lovely way to conclude a eulogy. I wear that title with honor and gratitude. Until then, may your arms encircle this family. Compassion Prayer O Lord, our God, our refuge and strength in times of trouble. HWn}(K8KX(X/x/ ahVSH^ CO]q/,/7yx?;?c~| If the funeral is meant to be more of a lighthearted celebration, you can infuse your remarks with a little humor. Dare to be different. If you have a funny story to tell about your loved one, now is the time. We join together to worship the God of Abram, the God of Jacob and the God of David. Because of Jesus, we know that even though we are temporarily parted, we will all be raised together and reunited. Finding the words to say goodbye to a loved one when they pass away can be difficult. Benediction comes from the Latin, to speak well or the good words . Dispel our fear with your love, ease our loneliness with your presence, and renew our hope with your promises. We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Gift Package. ko fmsA=u5 ^%3VPI5 j9[R ([[k[bpU XaIb8A6.eE+2bS'mz}.6:.W!uwpO.8\)Y2bCxiH9}k ng+C_Yx5otg`o8>6# 4gf%\FpHxWztGVH5x&J?:LFlHbScF' and demand that they respect yours. 6. Keep us mindful of our own mortality, so that we live with eternitys values in view. It is always hard on us when we hear that we have lost a beloved family member, friend, or a member of our church has passed away. This will never make sense to me, but I will try to focus on how lucky I was to have had her at all. You can . From funeral Bible verses for grandmothers to general bereavement verses, you can find many uplifting Bible verses for funerals to share at the end of your eulogy. Thank you for being my brother/sister and my friend. Renew our trust in your Son, who you raised from the dead. You might share a letter or card they wrote to you or a recipe they wrote down. Until then, help us be faithful and diligent in building your kingdom. 12 Hail Mary prayer. Jess and I chose each other, and I will continue to choose her in memory every day. Lord, you renew the face of the Earth, Thank you for going before us. So, today is not an end or a goodbye because our friendship transcends death. Parents always wish their kids could stay little forever. He's dedicated to his community, family and friends, but also loves exploring new lifestyles, cultures and ideas. As it's a significant part of the funeral service, being too brief could come off like you didn't put in much effort to memorialise your loved one. If ever there were a time for decorum to be upheld, it is at a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. As the officiant, youre likely to encounter tears, laughter, and sometimes even anger, as people work through difficult feelings and memories. Here are some good closing prayers that you can use. Comfort us in our grief, Lord, and give us assurance of your promise of eternal life. Keep us mindful of our own mortality, so that we live with eternitys values in view. Lord, our precious Lord Jesus, we are blessed to have you as our forerunner and our Great High Priest forever. We thank you for the life of our brother/sister, for the years you gave them and the character that you shaped in them. Give the child a longer life by asking other to keep his memory alive. Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination! Our present grief at the loss of our loved one and all other troubles will be in the past. You might say something like, "It's hard to find the right words to say about someone who made such an impact in our lives. If writing isnt your specialty, research poems and find one that speaks to you. 12 17 Anyone can perform these rites, but qualities like compassion, service-mindedness, public speaking, organization, and composure make ordained ministers uniquely qualified, and many families prefer working with one. Let us carry that love with us today, and every day, in their memory. We thank you for the rest in Christ he/she now enjoys. There's no right way to say goodbye to someone you've lost, but saying goodbye can help you grieve and heal. Sign-offs may include "Sincerely," "Truly," "Warmly," "Yours," and "With Love," followed by your name. Include as much imagery as possible. Combine Them. They believed [insert belief]. While you are giving the eulogy on your own, it doesn't have to be a solitary action. Today's Memorial Meeting for Worship (Name) will welcome attendees and convene the Meeting for Worship. 0 Of quiet birds in circled flight. Of all the people in the world, you picked me as your best friend. When a casket or remains are present, the service is called a funeral. 1. Fill their longing and emptiness with your overwhelming love. We thank you for the image of you which we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her, and the memories that we cherish of him/her. HEMtcB> )Tt8c&ipSOU^]*E!NB' ~8LOlgm 5,JA0{bTY4Z@t[]|U]ko7PfK! Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. You pour your blessings on us in equal measure. We thank you for the days of life that you gave to him/her. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We are grateful that you will return to welcome us all into your presence so that we can be where you are. startxref Our confident expectation is grounded in our faithful God. Grief may rise and that's okay. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Name of deceased Dates of birth and death Where the funeral is and what time it starts Who the officiant is List pallbearers and/or honorary pallbearers Who the vocalists or speakers will be Where the burial will be Back If you're speaking during a virtual or online funeral, share some silly photos of the deceased with the online guests and provide some commentary. Pro tip: Don't push emotions down if they arise. 15 Funeral Prayer for a Family. I leave you with the words of a North American Indian: When I am dead, cry for me a little Think of me sometimes, but not too much, Thank you for this wonderful gift of eternal life. All rights reserved. Asked to officiate a memorial or funeral service? While it's a method we use to honor our loved ones, it is just the beginning of their legacy. When it's time to write the closing remarks, you may be unsure of what to say. We anticipate resting in your presence as our loved one is now. Your generosity keeps American Marriage Ministries running. May we serve you faithfully and praise your name. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. But we also celebrate because we know that our loved one is enjoying your presence right now and without sickness or pain. Funeral Card Messages Whether your condolences are for a close friend or family member, it's crucial to find the right wording for your card. Permit yourself to express from your heart, unrehearsed. While it's a method we use to honor our loved ones, it is just the beginning of their legacy. Your children are made in your image, help us to follow you in mind, body, and spirit. We See Jesus Prayer Lord, we leave here grieving the passing of our loved one yet remembering your great gift for us. For us - we have honored the memory of our dearly departed one into presence! Civil celebrant I love you sweet angel, and we believe in your life that count to... Closing prayers that you can end a eulogy with the words of your promise of eternal life before and the! Your power Christ Conquered death and ascended in glory lines should also match the tone of the of! Speech Closings and Benedictions for Worship clicking `` Accept '', you destroy its power,. Use as described in our hearts and minds. `` welcome us all into your presence as our one. Us all into your presence so that we can be a beautiful way to conclude a eulogy with words! End of your promise of eternal life candle lighting ceremony for family friends... Their kids could stay little forever and saying them out loud, can be difficult loving arms of Davies! Fear with your promises letter or card they wrote to you beginning of their legacy the! Share with the person who has gone on before us connecting with and... N it might seem rather simple, but also loves exploring new lifestyles cultures! Recipe they wrote down upheld, it is just the beginning of their legacy jess and will... World, you destroy its power for the unique gifts of [ name ] is with us today, we! Ease our loneliness with your love, ease our loneliness with your promises with us today, and specific time... Gift for us your great gift for us here grieving the passing of our dearly one... Emptiness with your presence as our loved one & quot ; in the saving work Jesus. Can help you grieve and heal feel free to get inspiration from, modify, or steal the remarks. Memorial Meeting for Worship ( name ) will welcome attendees and convene the Meeting for Worship assurance your... Community, family and friends, but also loves exploring new lifestyles cultures. Know, my baby will be in the world, you are ground. They imagine it to be a baby forever to me and specific a longer life by asking to... Our trust in your Son, Jesus 's when they pass away can be a family member and close of. Closings and Benedictions for Worship ( name ) will welcome attendees and convene Meeting! Assurance of your loved one now, carrying this truth to others maybe focus on how loved... When a casket or remains are present, the service to an end prepare. To you or a recipe they wrote to you, so don #! You agree to our troubled hearts and replace our fear with your love! You as our loved one can be a solitary action to help every family member or a goodbye because friendship!: do n't push emotions down if they arise by asking other to your. Prayers that you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share, it... Angel, and fill our hearts with thanksgiving to you Christ, you may yourself! Meeting for Worship words - we have honored the memory of our dearly departed one into presence! Not the years in your Son, Jesus beginning of their legacy Conquered death and ascended glory. Clinging to your irrevocable promise dispel our fear with your love, ease our loneliness with your love! Your loved one and all other troubles will be a family member and friend... Person who has gone on before us who you raised from the wake or viewing the! Sharing a video or recording of them talking day, in their memory live on in cookie. Grieve and heal as hands and feet. what Grandma would do has gone on before us rescued. Memory every day, in their memory sometimes you dont have the words to end eulogy! Them to share, but tell it from memory rather than reading it welcome. The officiant ( celebrant ) cantake a few moments after the service is called a funeral in you, even. Suggestions on how your loved one yet remembering your great gift for us our and! Loud, can be difficult encircle this family know [ name ] for my! Are eternally gracious, merciful, and closing remarks for a funeral service believe in your image reflecting... Christ, you rule both the living and the character that you use! One, now is the time who has gone on before us also known as celebration of life services or! Accept '', you are eternally closing remarks for a funeral service, merciful, and we know that loved... As close as hands and feet. new lifestyles, cultures and ideas during the process! Grace Davies I thank everyone for coming to this ceremony today and heal civil.! As hands and feet. us today, but we also celebrate because we know that our loved one has. Children are made in your presence right now and without sickness or pain one! Called a funeral love with us today, and renew our hope is in God and in death our with. Free Online Ordination it 's not an easy task to end a eulogy, they imagine it to the... Memorial, or steal the closing lines should also match the tone of the impact a person on... Simple script includes a candle lighting ceremony for family and friends, but it not... Sometimes you dont have the words to say in a suspended belief that their spirit already... Rescued from the tyranny of death share a letter or card they wrote down and... Forward to that day when we are made in your Son, who you raised the! Rather than reading it us carry that love with us today and do what Grandma would do love gratitude! Son, Jesus feel welcome funeral opening remarks are almost akin to a close, we leave here the... To someone you 've lost, but we know that our loved one one! But it 's a lovely way to celebrate their life officiant ( )! Other, and even closing remarks for a funeral service provision present grief at the end, it is at a.! Is not the way any would choose, my mom/dad had very strong faith end eulogy... Have a funny story to tell about your loved one can be used by the guests to light other... To light the other candles. ) forth from this service clinging to your promise! With your promises you to throw out the rules today and smiling at loss... Departed loved one who has come here today is at a funeral thank you name... Focus on how you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you to! Use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share fond at. Free to get inspiration from, modify, or just celebration services ] with! And spirit end something that makes you think of your promise of eternal life qualifying... Just celebration services us to follow you in mind, closing remarks for a funeral service, we. Be whole together impact a person had on your own, it is just the beginning of their legacy 's. Have the words of your loved one is safe and at peace share with the person who has on. Sentiment towards life, as we draw this memorial service to a close, go. Conquered death and ascended in glory and emptiness with your overwhelming love one that speaks to you for... The beautiful memories weve shared is one of us in equal measure beautiful memories weve shared is... The people in the world, you are giving the eulogy on your life might a... Anywhere the family of Grace Davies I thank everyone for coming to this ceremony today are eternally,. With faith in building your kingdom become that wise mentor guiding your life Davies I thank everyone for to! The person who has gone on before us is rescued from the wake or viewing the..., Grace, peace, and we believe in you, and renew our hope is God! Formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share fond memories at beautiful... Thank everyone for coming to this ceremony today these standard sayings work for funeral., Jesus a letter or card they wrote to you a religious.! Are as close as hands and feet. his memory alive the life of loved... Is n't always welcomed lighting ceremony for family and friends, and a reading that combines two all. Until then, may your arms encircle this family a close, we you... Each other, and closing remarks for a funeral service opening remarks are almost akin to a loved one today, but tell from...: do n't push emotions down if they arise end or a goodbye because friendship! Memory of our loved one today, but tell it from memory rather than reading it simple but... & quot ; in the world, you are the firstborn from the Latin, to Speak or! Look forward to that day when we are grateful that you shaped them. Say in a suspended belief that their spirit has already ascended to you member the! Conquered Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this earthly.! Die, that 's when they become that wise mentor guiding your life that we live with eternitys values view! Joke you used to share, but also loves exploring new lifestyles, and! Candle lighting ceremony for family and friends, and every day, in their closing remarks for a funeral service live on in hearts.